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How collaborative security can build you a better business. Getting employees on board can do more than prevent breaches; it can send profitability soaring. Sponsored Post Here's a sobering reality: 95% of data breaches involve human error. So, why do most organizations still throw technology at a fundamentally human problem? It's like trying to fix a leaky roof by buying better buckets. Sure, engaging those employees can shore up your data defenses. But what if we told you that it could increase your business performance too? That's exactly what OutThink's 2025 Cybersecurity Human Risk Management Report reveals about organizations that flip the script on human-centric security. The collaboration advantage For true human-centric security, we must look beyond traditional security awareness training. Too many organizations rely on one-size-fits-all approaches that treat cybersecurity like a compliance checkbox rather than a business enabler. The game changer? Organizations that encourage active employee-security team collaboration see a remarkable 32% greater profitability than those that don't. This isn't just about preventing breaches anymore; it's about building a better business. The improvements are tangible and immediate. In organizations with high security engagement, non-compliance among those with privileged access plummets from 27% to just 6%. Security champions emerge naturally, with 21% prevalence in collaborative environments compared to much lower rates in siloed organizations. Line managers themselves become security culture multipliers. There's a 0.78 correlation coefficient between their cyber engagement and their teams' performance. That's a strong relationship, and it means that when managers care about security, their entire teams follow suit. It's not magic. It's measurable human psychology at work. The path forward So how do you turn your people from a liability into an asset? It starts with ditching the one-and-done training mentality. Move from point-in-time assessments to continuous, adaptive human risk management that evolves with your organization and threats. Focus on what actually matters. Instead of measuring click rates on training modules, track behavioral changes and business impact. Are privileged users becoming more compliant? Are security champions emerging organically? Is your security culture strengthening across management layers? Make line managers your secret weapon. The report shows us that they have a strong influence over their teams' security behaviors. Inspire them. Then equip them with the tools and knowledge to become security culture champions, not just policy enforcers. Most importantly, build genuine collaboration between security teams and employees. Create feedback loops where employees can report when security policies create friction without fear of punishment. When people feel heard and valued, they become invested in solutions rather than workarounds. The data is clear: human-centric security drives both protection and profitability. Turn your people into your strongest line of defense and your smartest competitive edge. Access OutThink's 2025 Cybersecurity Human Risk Management Report for comprehensive insights and actionable strategies to transform your security culture into a business advantage. Sponsored by OutThink.